Changan, Royal City.

The sky was filled with fluttering snowflakes.

White Jade Square was covered in a thick layer of snow. Mirrors could be seen floating around. Reflected within the mirrors were the images of what lay inside the Youzhou Demon Portal.

Among the images, there were ones depicting the disciples of the Main Path Guild easily subduing demons. There were also images showing disciples of the All-Seeing Buddha Sect defeating demons mightily as though they were Arhat. Not to mention the barely visible Meridian Guild disciples.

The officials viewed the scenes in high spirits.

All the sect leaders merely watched with constantly changing expressions. Some of them were full of praise, others looked solemn. After all, the disciples were all opponents in the competition.

Chao Xiaojian, with his white robes and white hair, gently raised an eyebrow. His gaze landed upon each mirror but he did not discover any images that concerned the team from the Sword Guild.

Was there a subtle message in that?

"Are the disciples of my Sword Guild not worthy of appearing in these Thousand-Mile Mirrors?"

Chao Xiaojian's indifferent voice rang clearly across the entire compound of the White Jade Square.

In a moment, many sect leaders were astonished. They all detected the contemplative tone within his words. However, no one spoke or made a sound.

On the square, the spell master responsible for controlling the images swapped the images in the mirrors several times. However, none of the changes showed the Sword Guild disciples.

This made Chao Xiaojian's expression appear even more cold and ferocious. Did these people think he, Chao Xiaojian, was an idiot? Did they think the Emperor was an idiot?

The atmosphere in front of the Taiji Palace became more precarious.

The heavy rain pounded the ground, causing unending water splatters to burst forth. A violent, tyrannical aura circulated in the air, accompanied by the intense and oppressive demonic energy that continued to permeate through the atmosphere.

Numerous demons clawed against the tree trunks, shredding and tearing bark, scattering water droplets. Curtains of fog billowed among the rain shower as they launched towards the group of people that they hoped to get a taste of!

Whoosh!

A single ice arrow shot across, spreading a cold intent. All the power of the spiritual sense within it instantly destroyed the will of a demon.

'Current mission progress (13/100).'

The System notification flashed before Fang Lang's eyes, indicating the progress in the demon-hunting mission.

However, at this moment, Fang Lang was not paying attention to the System.

He continued shooting arrows while taking steps forward. When he saw the demons rushing towards him in the midst of the darkness of rain and fog, he knew that for now he would not have to worry that there would not be enough demons for him to kill.

The number of demons here numbered over a hundred. There were too many, and they were too welcoming!

Buzz!

An ice arrow sped past at high speeds and buried itself in the thick, muscular head of a demon. The enormous force of the arrow lifted the demon, pinning it to the tree firmly as a large spurt of blood exploded.

Despite that, none of the other demons were frightened. They continued to surge ahead, baring their fangs and waving their claws.

Fang Lang continued to step ahead, overtaking Ni Wen, Liu Bubai and several others. Arrows continued to shoot out unceasingly from his hands.

As Ni Wen watched Fang Lang's figure up ahead, her initial feelings of tense anxiety instantly eased. She had been so terrified and frightened that her heart trembled within her. Now she gritted her teeth, picked up her wooden staff and took off the sword box from her back.

"Bubai, cover me!" said Ni Wen seriously.

Liu Bubai came back to his senses and said, "It's alright. It's the perfect time for me to give the latest sword technique I've mastered a spin!

"My sword is no longer the same sword as it was before!"

Liu Bubai kept moving up, holding his heavy sword horizontally. He looked like a mountain as he stood before Ni Wen, shielding her. If any demon had intentions of harming Ni Wen, they would have to get past him!

Geshu Yuehua finally came to his senses. She saw Fang Lang and the others did not plan on making an escape, instead, they had decided to fight to the deathshe instantly felt a little crazy.

"We can't beat them. Let's just escape!" shouted Geshu Yuehua as she faced the demon swarm. How could she beat the demons when she had just achieved the third-class realm?

Were they going to die in vain!?

Could they not see how many demons were out there? Even if they managed to kill them all, they would be exhausted from the sheer effort!

However, Geshu Yuehua gradually calmed down. When she saw Fang Lang shooting arrow after arrow, coolly and obstinately shooting down demon after demon, forcing the unstoppable advancement of the swarm of demons to falter slightly, a look of determination flashed across her eyes.

She took out her heavy sword and held it lengthwise in front of her.

"The two of you protect Ni Wen. Ni Wen, prepare a powerful killing rune that covers a large area!" said Fang Lang.

Ni Wen nodded. With her wooden staff, she began to condense her spiritual sense and craft a rune. However, the time needed to craft a rune that would cover a wide area would take too long.

Fang Lang put down his Frost Bow. A bow and arrow would not be enough to frighten these demons. He turned his head to look at Jiang Linglong and panted slowly, "Old Jiang, you're in charge of taking care of the little ones that escape from the net.

"I'll take care of offense!"

As soon as she finished speaking, Fang Lang stomped down heavily, sending the puddle of water splashing three feet into the air as his white robes billowed.

The Champion's Blade made a sound as it was unsheathed. Countless arcs of thunder rang out like the roaring of the thundering heavens. As it rolled along, it transformed into a Thunder Dragon that zoomed across all corners of the dense forest, hunting after the swarms of demons!

Thunder Strike crashed down with powerful energy, instantly wiping out several demons. Blood flew across the air. Some demons were crushed into pulp while others were sliced in two. Blood gushed freely as the disgusting stench of blood permeated every corner of the forest.

Fang Lang remained in a low position with both the Obsidian Sword and the Blooming Lotus Sword drawn and held at a slight angle. The tips of both swords were submerged in the mud and water puddles.

As Fang Lang continued to charge, it looked as though two white snakes were spreading out.

Bang!

A red-eyed demon lunged. Two swords brazenly emerged from the water puddles. The water puddles seemed to transform into a long sheet of silk. It became like a drawn curtain of water as it swiftly cut across, sending several demons into the air.

Fang Lang crossed the swords and made a cutting gesture. Blade energy gushed out in the shape of an 'X'.

Blood filled the air!

'Ding! Current mission progress (18/100)'

The progress flitted before him but Fang Lang did not have the time to check it.

Countless demons raced over. Fang Lang used the Spirit Step and dived into the horde of demons. His sword was extremely fast!

The blade energy within his core energy center surged unceasingly.

The blade energy that he had cultivated through the Ten Thousand Blade Scripture was extremely tough and frighteningly powerful. Most of the demons in the swarm were second-class. However, they were all killed by Fang Lang without much difficulty.

When Fang Lang moved, his speed was much faster than the demons!

Several demons had sustained injuries from Fang Lang's blade energy. However, they continued to stagger toward him.

With a flash, Jiang Linglong's sword pierced through the demon's body. She withdrew her sword emotionlessly and flicked the blood off the White Frost Blade.

She continued to maintain the lofty arrogance and reserve that was expected from an ice princess.

She was in charge of killing the ones that survived Fang Lang's attack. Since that was what Fang Lang had instructed, she would do as he said.

'Ding! You and your binding partner, Jiang Linglong, have defeated a foe together. Passive ability triggered. You have obtained one Meditation Card.'

The System prompt rang out in Fang Lang's consciousness.

Fang Lang smiled. Even this could activate the passive ability? It seemed like this time he was about to receive a huge bounty!

He raised the sword in his hand. Blade rays filled the sky as Fang Lang continuously used the Dual Sword Technique. His Dual Sword Technique had reached the mastery of a sword master. In fact, there might be even more inspiration to further elevate his sword mastery!

After being poised to attack for some time, a powerful third-class demon flew over, spewing a strong, fishy stench.

Fang Lang wore a cold, stern expression as he manifested the Spirit Awl. After that, he activated the Sword Thunder, killing the enemy instantly!

When he switched to the Quintuple Binding Mode, Fang Lang could feel the blood boiling within him!

He did not know whose scheme this belonged to but he knew he wanted to kill and fight to his heart's content!

Sword mastery cultivation had exhausted his blade energy. Fang Lang could feel his vital energy surging within him. His martial arts cultivation surged explosively. When combined with his Dual Sword Technique, his offensive ability remained constant.

Within the one-meter radius around Fang Lang, no demons could approach him. This was the safe zone Fang Lang maintained.

As he switched to martial arts cultivation, whether he swung, stabbed, sliced or pierced, every swing of his sword would claim the life of a demon!

As time ticked slowly by, the rain became heavier.

Ni Wen's rune was approaching completion. Her spiritual sense rippled and instantly shot into the skies. The uncountable raindrops transformed under the support of the rune to become blade rain.

Pfff pfff pfff

The killing power of this attack reached truly terrifying levels. Nearly every demon suffered wounds. Fang Lang shouted his heart out and continued killing breezily.

'Ding! You and your binding partner, Ni Wen, have defeated a foe together. Passive ability triggered. You have obtained one Grade-Rush Card Fragment.'

The System notification kept popping up non-stop.

Fang Lang smiled brightly. His white robes flew as he used the charged Sword Thunder, carving out a huge chunk of demon flesh.

His collection of Mediation Cards and Grade-Rush Card Fragments continued to expand unceasingly!

Fang Lang used a Meditation Card without hesitation. His depleted spiritual sense began to rapidly replenish!

With a swing of his blade, a demon was slaughtered.

With a swing of his blade, another demon was slaughtered!

Demon carcasses began to pile up in the area around Fang Lang like a wall.

Behind him, Jiang Linglong and her White Frost Blade helped Fang Lang catch the stragglers.

A little further back, Ni Wen continuously activated rune after rune with a pale complexion, killing non-stop.

The tacit understanding between the three of them grew as they worked together. It was like a rock in the stream had blocked the surging of the waves.

Geshu Yuehua watched in a daze as Fang Lang, whose white robes had become blood-red, swung his sword like a tireless machine among the pile of carcasses. She watched Fang Lang as he claimed the lives of the numerous demons.

He actually managed to achieve this!

To one side, Liu Bubai held his heavy sword, looking bored out of his mind. At that moment, he wished that he had his tobacco pipe on him.

It seemed as though he would not need to use his sword.

He glanced at Geshu Yuehua who had her mouth agape and looked full of wonderment then said in a deep, experienced tone, "There's no need to be this surprised. You'll get used to it over time. The first time I experienced this, I was pretty calm."

Geshu Yuehua was speechless. 'How could you be so calm and collected? However, this was certainly comforting.'

Ding! Ding! Ding!

In the downpour of rain, a couple of sparks appeared everywhere. The flying blades appeared like streams of brilliant light, colliding in the air.

The singing of the blades rang out in the air. The rain droplets dispersed to form a mist that made the surroundings appear hazy.

Huang Ying gritted her teeth. Her eyes were filled with killing intent. All she wanted to do was kill Lin Muzhe who was in front of her right now then go off to help Fang Lang and the others.

This was the first time they had encountered a swarm of demons. They must be absolutely terrified and panicking!

Huang Ying was aware they would not be able to hold out for too long. She could sense the aura of the tide of demons growing more and more frightening. There were even peak third-class demons rushing over from the depths of the demon portal!

Huang Ying was trembling inside. She had previously told those youngsters she would bring them back safely. Yet, what could she do now!?

"You d*mn thing!" Huang Ying raged in the midst of the heavy downpour.

Lin Muzhe was cool and indifferent. As Huang Ying waved her sword and stabbed it towards her, she merely waved her sword and clashed blades with Huang Ying over and over again!

Blade energy surge in the air around them. As they exchanged blades in an attempt to kill, it was a clash of blade energy and sword mirage!

The raindrops were sliced to form mist while the soil on the ground had numerous winding ditches carved into them.

"How can you guys do such a thing on the Qianlong Resource battlefield? The Emperor's birthday celebration is fast approaching. How dare you guys do such a thing! Have you all gone mad!?" growled Huang Ying in a frenzy.

Her brain was filled with thoughts of killing this woman before her.

Lin Muzhe deflected Huang Ying's sword attack and said coolly, "I don't know. Even if something big is about to happen in Changan, it has nothing to do with me. Hence, I'm not bothered at all."

She wore a cold smile under the bamboo hat.

"That's because all I want is Fang Lang's death."

The rainwater gushed, forming wave after wave.

The water mixed with blood on the ground flowed tortuously. The strong stench of blood assaulted their noses. The puddles were filled with bloody water, looking extremely frightful.

Fang Lang was still swinging his blade around. The physical constitution of a martial arts disciple had strengthened his body. When his vital energy weakened, Fang Lang would return to using his sword mastery cultivation to kill his enemies.

Of course, Fang Lang knew if he continued on in this manner, he would eventually become completely exhausted. He was still human and would eventually tire. In fact, he felt that his sword swinging actions had become stiff.

However, Fang Lang did not want to die here. He still had a father waiting for him at Luojiang City, anticipating his return. He wanted to return to his hometown after achieving glory in his cultivation and seeing the proud smile on Old Fang's face.

"Fang Lang! Change positions."

Jiang Linglong seemed to sense Fang Lang's fatigue. Her dark eyebrows furrowed slightly as she waved her White Frost Blade, dealing out thousands of cuts.

She was in a similar position as Fang Lang, faced against an incoming onslaught of demons.

Geshu Yuehua rushed across, killing the demons that escaped the attack. Liu Bubai was thinking about brandishing his great sword to kill demons. However, his mission was to protect Ni Wen, hence he continued to hold back the urge.

He felt conflicted for a brief moment but decided in the end that he would not be able to face the swarm on his own.

Fang Lang did not have a retreat plan.

He switched into the Quintuple Binding Mode and used a Meditation Card to help him think clearly.

'Current mission completion progress (346/100)'

'Ding! Hunting Mission complete!'

'Congratulations, you have obtained the prize, Qixing Sword (Forging Method). You have surpassed the mission target and obtained the additional reward, Silver Reward Egg.'

The System notification popped out.

Fang Lang's eyes spun slightly. He had received an additional reward because he had exceeded the mission target?

He had won this Silver Reward Egg at the near cost of his own life.

'System, smash the egg.'

The Silver Reward Egg appeared and with a smash of the hammer, a smorgasbord of colors filled the air.

'Ding! Congratulations. You have obtained two 5X Amplification Cards, two Power Loan Cards and two Double Cultivation Cards'

He had gotten the Double Cultivation Cards. Fang Lang did not really appreciate that. He was more excited about receiving the Power Loan Cards because at that moment, that was the thing he needed the most.

"Activate the Power Loan Card."

"Power Loan target, Wen Ting."

Whoosh!

An oppressive aura surged toward Fang Lang as the stormy skies appeared to come to a standstill.

It was a peaked third-class demon.

Jiang Linglong looked incomparably imposing as the blood within her surged. However, her body froze soon after.

She saw Fang Lang beside her, who was thoroughly exhausted to the extent his aura was hollow, grip the Blooming Lotus Sword. It was as if countless raindrops condensed in an instant to form a blooming lotus.

A gentle swish of the blade.

In a flash, the peak third-class demon was sliced in half and its blood splattered all over the ground!

Jiang Linglong's eyes moved. In the next moment, she rejoiced!

The Blooming Lotus Sword Sect Leader Taihua's sword truly contained an extraordinarily powerful force!

Fang Lang held the Blooming Lotus Sword and narrowed his eyes. He tilted his head and experienced the raindrops falling at an angle. The raindrops moved as if they were under his will.

The Innate Sword Intent Seed inside his core seemed to be cheering joyfully.

In the next moment, Fang Lang opened his eyes.

The Blooming Lotus Sword abruptly shot out. A single move seemed to slice through the raining night sky!

Swish!

A single swing managed to deflect Huang Ying's sword intent.

The raindrops had begun to quell, becoming sparse as Lin Muzhe's features bunched up slightly under the bamboo hat. She stood still on the tree watching the rapid swarm of demons. Her expression changed.

The demon swarm was retreating!?

How could this happen so quickly!?

Lin Muzhe exhaled a breath of blade energy from within her lungs and left with a turn of her body.

Out of the blue, she froze.

This was because leaning against a tree branch in the distance stood a teenager dressed in blood-stained white robes, the Blooming Lotus Sword was in his hand.

A flash of lightning cut across the night sky, illuminating the slight smile on the teen's face.

"Of course, I had to come since you've gifted me such a huge present."

"Don't be in such a rush to leave."